Why I Made the Move and What I'd Tell Every Tax CPA with Mary Dovel

CPA and financial advisor Mary Dovel joins Brianne Smith Hart to share why she left traditional tax work to build her own CPA and financial planning practice - and what it's actually like on the other side. They talk about the shift from transactional tax relationships to deeper, ongoing advisory work, how financial planning creates income that isn't tied to the billable hour, and the freedom and flexibility that comes with owning both sides of the practice. Mary opens up about the false starts along the way, including partnerships that didn't work out, and the mindset shifts - around confidence, time tracking, and self-accountability - that helped her build something sustainable. They close with practical, low-risk first steps for any tax CPA considering the same path, including the PFS credential, joint work with an established advisor, and getting connected through peer networks like the AICPA's PFP Champions.